bah Humbug!

I just love the magic of cup competitions.

Its not everyday that we see big teams falling to the less established clubs in Europe's biggest competition. I think it is the do or die, the make or break of such knock -out competitions that the newer teams thrive on as a source of inspiration.

A case in point can be taken from Liverpool. After flying high with a 6-1 drumming of Hull City, they crashed 2-0 to Fiorentina just 3 days later. Amazing dont you think? Stuggurt themselves also drew with FC Urzizeni and Standard Liege drew AZ Alkmaar. Teams havign their debut in this season's competition are showing their mettle against the pedigree clubs, the creme de la creme. But honestly, soccer is soccer and the ball is round so anything can happen. The golden rule would probably be that the team who wants it more will do more to get it.

My main focus tonight would be whether or not Man United can get a good result againsta fired-up Hamburg, German Champs thanks to the prowess of their front attacking pairing. We've seen how in the past weeks, the resurgent Giggs and Scholes have provided inspiration if not the goods themselves and created the wins. But it really is time for the youngsters to step up to their plate and show their real worth with solid steady performances. So far over the last few years, only Darren Fletcher and John O'shea have impressed and proved to be integral to the club. Tonight shall decide one half of the battle between the kings of England and Germany.

One other thing I really feel strongly about would be the damn fact that there isnt any more Champions League soccer on SCV. Its just nonsense that another cable operator has got the rights. Absolute nonsense i tell you. I may just upgrade my internet connectiona nd subscribe to pay-per-view for my sports fixes.

CHELSEA STOPPED

IT has finally happened.. WIgan broke their Jinx against the top 4 sides with a 3-1 victoru over 10 man Chelsea. Take nothing away from Wigan though who went into the half 1-0 up with all 11 players in tact. You know its not your day when Bramble notches one against you as the Wigan defender continues his maturity with better displays by the day.. Been a while since the lessons he learnt in Newcastle have kicked in.

Liverpool and Spurs had big heroes to thank. Namely Torres and Keane who notched 7 goals amongst them. Hull look certain to o down under Phil Brown who cannot deny that he let his good start last term get to him and with the demise of players like Boateng. He hopes Bullard can be his messiah.Burnley as usual are a Home team. All i can say is try keeping your 100% record Mr. Owen as thats the only hope of survivial I can see at the moment. Fortress Turf Moor.

United and Arsenal notched up crucial wins. Giggs turned 18 as he gave away 2 assists while new birds Valencia and Nani failed to impress. Rooney was overshadowed by Scholes as well. Apparently they shud start illegally signing youngsters and start looking at the old folks home. Arsenal grabbed an impressive 1-0 win over Fulham with stand in keeper Mannone looking..dare I say.. better den ALmunia!Where does Arsene get this guys? Toys R us?

BLackburn did well against VIlla down to 10 man and deserve mention as Allardyce's rollercoaster season begins. They are doing very well with limited resources unlike their compatriots like Pompey( tick tock tick tock Mr Hart) and Bolton.

Here are the top 5 performances this week:

1. Wigan(10 points)
2.Blackburn (8 points)
3.Liverpool( 6 points)
4.Tottenham(4 points)
5.Man Utd/ Arsenal (2 points shared)

Chelsea unstoppable?

Are Chelsea on fire or what?,.. Even Platini's efforts are not helping..

This week they face Wigan, who frankly should be an easy 3 points. Losing points here would be taboo. Wigan have looked weak. None of their new signings have yet impressed and they seem to be scraping points rather than earning them. Martinez has a long way to go.. If given such a time. Chelsea would thank the gods for such a start with the African Nations Cup taking away their best players come January.

Only Arsenal and ManUtd face tricky ties away to lesser oppositions with a knack for doing well at home. Stoke made their stadium a fortress for most of the top 4 last season( cue Delap for throw ins) and Vidic was key for United in both games. Arsenal were a tad unlucky but were aweful against Fulham when Hangeland tapped one in. But den again, against Fulham you have to muster your A game. Arsenal should be able to knowing Fulham's form has not been great but United have an uphill task. They were lucky against a resillient Stoke side last term and a Tevez goal late on spared their blushes.

Porsmouth.Blackburn and Bolton face a race agiainst time to collect points. This surely is Paul Hart's las weekend to deliver. He has not done well but will be given time since they sold all their best players(Crouch,Johnson,Kranjcar,Distin,Campbell etc..) and hired less than impressive replacements. Only Vanden Borre has impressed so far and Dindane and O'hara are less than impressive replacements.

We see how it goes but keep an eye out for all the games this week as I sense there will be goals aflowing...........

LAst week's Soccercrazee Top 5

Herez last week's Soccercrazeee top 5:

1. Chelsea(10 pts)
2.Everton(8 pts)
3.Burnley(6 pts)
4.Arsenal (4 pts)
5.Wolverhampton Wanderers(2 pts)

Cheers

BPL Week 7

We're now into the 7th or so match of the 09/10 Barclays Premier League and the big question we have here at Soccer Crazee is whether or not Chelsea can maintain their perch at the top tonight against a flamboyant Wigan side coached by Martinez. Odds on that an on song Drogba and Anelka partnership should see them easily through the fixture. Chelsea also remains the only unbeaten "top" team.

Man Utd face a tricky away fixture to Stoke but after a thrilling derby match last week and a convincing midweek win over Wolves in midweek with a Reserve side with more than a few seniors in it. Ben Foster looks set to get another run out despite a few howlers that almost threw the match against City. I personally think that Kuzchek should get the nod but consistency in goal is most important as well. I believe that Owen might get rewarded with another start and should work well with Rooney.

The London derby between Arsenal and Fulham should be another thriller with lots of goals to come and Arshavin and van Persie look set to start which would add to an already potent swash buckling Arsenal side.

Everton should probably get back some sort of winning rythmn after being bouyoued by their previous win. Moneys on them to win!

Stay tune for our post match report where we will give the low down on this week's matches.